Forced oscillation technique: from theory to clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Physiology
• Medical Instrumentation
• Pulmonary Diagnostics

Background:

• The forced oscillation technique (FOT) enables noninvasive assessment of respiratory system mechanics.
• Its independence from patient cooperation makes it suitable for routine respiratory function evaluation.
• FOT is applicable in various clinical settings and epidemiological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the rationale, equipment, and data processing of the forced oscillation technique.
• To review current and emerging clinical applications of FOT.
• To highlight FOT's utility in assessing airway responsiveness, mechanical ventilation, and upper airway obstruction.

Main Methods:

• Review of the principles and conventional methods of the forced oscillation technique.
• Compilation of data processing strategies for FOT.
• Summarization of clinical applications based on existing literature.

Main Results:

• FOT provides a noninvasive measure of respiratory system mechanics.
• Key applications include assessing respiratory function in various pathologies, epidemiology, and airway responsiveness testing (bronchoprovocation/bronchodilatation).
• Emerging uses involve monitoring respiratory resistance during mechanical ventilation and detecting sleep-related upper airway obstruction.

Conclusions:

• The forced oscillation technique is a versatile, noninvasive tool for respiratory system assessment.
• Its applications range from routine function testing to specialized diagnostics like airway responsiveness and sleep studies.
• FOT shows promise in advanced monitoring during mechanical ventilation and diagnosing upper airway issues.